Dance Projects

Program Overview

Dance Projects provides funding to professional dance artists, organizations, and collectives for the creation, production, and presentation of dance works, and other projects that support the development of professional dance in Toronto. The program recognizes a diversity of dance practices and is supported by the City of Toronto through annual funding allocated by Toronto City Council.

Funding Categories

• Creation: supports choreographic creation, research and development, and commissions; maximum $10,000; TAC may fund 100% of project.
• Production and Presentation: supports rehearsal, production and presentation of live dance; maximum $20,000.
• Dance Series and Festivals: supports dance series and festivals presenting Toronto choreographers and dance companies; maximum $10,000.
• Dance Field Development: supports projects developing professional dance practice; maximum $8,000; applicant must be organization or collective, not individual.

Eligible Expenses

For all categories, project expenses may include: artists fees, production and technical fees, marketing and outreach costs, administrative costs, and childcare costs. Payment of artist fees is required. Works conceived for digital platforms are eligible in all categories.

Eligibility

• Individual professional dance artists or not-for-profit dance organizations or collectives
• Based in Toronto
• Professional artists must have developed skills through training/practice, be recognized by other artists in their tradition, actively practice their art, seek payment for their work, and have history of public presentation with involvement in at least 2 paid dance events
• First-time applicants should contact the Dance Program Manager with questions

Ineligible Applicants & Projects

• Choreographers who direct dance organizations receiving TAC Operating funding
• Organizations or collectives receiving TAC Operating funding
• Dance studios and schools
• Schools that are part of Ontario's public or private education system
• Educational and religious institutions without clear separation between regular activities and arts activities
• Projects that are part of undergraduate or graduate courses
• Projects started or completed before results announcement
• Projects taking place outside the City of Toronto
• Projects for film creation or competitive purposes

Project Timeline

The project start date must be a minimum of 3 months after the submission deadline. Applications submitted to the February deadline should be for projects taking place after June 1; applications submitted to the August deadline should be for projects taking place after November 1. All projects must be completed within two years of the notification letter date.

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: March 16, 2026
• Notification Date: August 4, 2026

Contact

For questions, reach out to Tafiya Itiaba-Bayah, Program Manager, Dance at 416-392-6802 x 224 or [email protected]